McCain

Helping us deliver little moments that matter

Family business McCain is well-known for making delicious chips and potato products – and they are also making a big contribution to making life better for different types of families at mealtimes.

Like us, McCain believes that every family should be able to enjoy mealtimes together – those little moments that matter.  For some families that can be difficult. Which is why, since becoming a flagship partner in 2021, McCain has been supporting Family Fund in two important ways:

• As a funder, McCain has generously donated £1.3 million to Family Fund. In 2023, they committed an additional £1 million donation, over 3 years, to provide grants for essential household items like fridges, ovens, and furniture aiming to make teatimes more enjoyable for families raising disabled or seriously ill children across the UK.

• As a partner, McCain is providing a platform for the voices of disabled children and their families. We do this through a series of high profile campaigns helping to raise awareness of Family Fund and its work.

“As a family business we believe every family should be able to enjoy mealtimes together, taking time for the little moments that matter. For some families, this isn’t always possible.

That’s why we want to help Family Fund, especially during this difficult time when families are incredibly vulnerable and businesses have a responsibility to show support and drive change and meaningful action.

We look forward to seeing how our partnership can make a positive difference and continuing our work to help British families and communities across the country, with a particular focus on championing different types of families at mealtimes.”

Howard Snape, McCain GB and Ireland Regional President

Our campaigns

Making social get-togethers inclusive 

Research launched as part of our newest partnership campaign with McCain, reports that only 12% of families raising disabled or seriously ill children say they can take part in the social activities they’d like to and 83% are left feeling sad, left out and frustrated.

Families we support give their tips for how to make meet-ups more inclusive and, with McCain, we launched a limited edition, inclusively designed free scoop bowl to mark our partnership. The bright, colourful scoop bowl features a playful design, with an anti-slip suction base and a raised, curved side to help children eat independently, wherever, and however, they’re having meals.

Presenter and comedian Alex Brooker who has lived experience of disability shares: “This bowl is something I wished I had growing up; it’s a great design and I think it will really help children feel more independent at mealtimes and give parents confidence to socialize more at social occasions.”

Gregg Wallace and the rising costs of living

Gregg Wallace meets twelve-year-old Rhys, who has a life-limiting illness, and his family for a culinary day prepping wide-ranging meals for the family on a tight budget and timescale. Together, they share honest and emotive life reflections. They discuss the serious impact of steeply-rising household prices on families raising disabled children.

McCain and Family Fund TV adverts

In 2022, together we launched two TV adverts featuring Family Fund families as part of our ‘Little Moments’ nationwide campaign.

The two 20 second adverts, provide a vital platform for the voices of disabled children, young people and their families. They feature Kaj, Max and their families as they prepare dinner and enjoy family time together.

Table Talk with Paddy and Christine McGuiness

Our podcast series sees Paddy and Christine McGuinness meet a variety of families raising disabled or seriously ill children, supported by Family Fund.

Tune-in to hear their fascinating personal experiences and heart-warming stories. Expect the highs and lows of family life, honesty and camaraderie, plenty of family tips and a discovery into the vital support that Family Fund gives.

Special Family Fund packs of McCain chips

In 2021, the beloved McCain Home Chips packaging got a new look! After an exciting drawing competition, 10-year-old Charlie got the chance to design the new McCain packs.

Read Charlie’s story to learn more about his autism journey, and how Family Fund has helped.